Using Qantas First Class Lounge passes when flying economy

I was lucky enough to purchase 2 Qantas First Class Lounge access passes today online. Me and a friend are flying to Berlin on QF1 via DXB and LHR in 10 days, we are only flying economy. I just wanted to know if anyone has had any issues using such passes flying economy only when entering the lounge? They are both complimentary lounge passes so I could only assume we wouldn't have any issues. I have read various articles where it's ok to purchase such passes online. Also do we have to wear business entire when entering first class lounge? Any tips would be great.

I think you should be fine as long as the passes are not expired. I have given my complimentary passes to a mate and there were no issues in using them. You will not have to wear business attire in the 1st lounge, just wear something nice and comfortable as you have a 20h+ flight to Europe. Get in there early if that's possible especially if you want to book a spa appointment. Have a great time in the lounge!

Broderick: WayneC's on the money. As long as your passes have not exceeded their 'use by' date, they are valid regardless of what class you're travelling in.

For clothing: 'smart casual' is my byword. There's no need to do the suit+tie routine, you'll find most people in the Qantas First lounge dress for comfort not show, especially given the long flights ahead of them. Clean pants (including decent jeans) topped by a fresh polo top, T shirt or dress shirt, and maybe a loose jacket, is quite sufficient.

You can check in 3 hours before your flight, and I'd be at the checkin desk bang on that -3h mark so you can make the most of your time in the lounge. As soon as you get into the lounge, turn a sharp left and go all the way to the end for the Payot spa and ask if they have any sessions available (the facial is great to keep your skin hydrated for the long flight ahead) – you need to do this first because the spa sessions can go very quickly.

In fact, we have an article written just for first-timers to the Qantas First Lounge – enjoy!

http://www.ausbt.com.au/seven-expert-tips-to-make-the-most-of-the-qantas-first-class-lounge

David, I've followed that advice a few times now and have yet to get any appointments at the spa :( The first time they had me on waitlist, and every other time they've just said they're completely full. I always check in around the 3 hour mark, but never had any luck. I've tried day, night, weekend, weekday, no difference. A bit disappointing given that it was one of the reasons I was quite keen to get platinum. Have others had a better experience?

So Broderick, word of warning if this is something you were really looking forward to.

Spinoza, sorry to hear about your experience. I have a success rate of about 50%. It seems a little easier to get an appointment in the morning.

I have managed to get into the spa on a couple of my visits. I do notivpce though that they will prioritise actual First Class passengers ( they may even be able to book ahead as in Sydney QF F lounge). So it really is luck of the draw. 

Cant say I take it too seriously though... If I get it great if not then ill go relax in the lounge instead. 

Flights are now about 3.5 hours out if the flight is an A380.. i'd be getting there as early as you can.

Spinoza: that's a shame you've not yet scored a spa session! The majority of my flights are in the morning (before noon) and I've got a decent 'hit rate', probably 50% (like Waynec).

I used a pass last December to access the First Lounge while flying economy, I had no issues whatsoever.

Thanks Waynec and David. Maybe I'll try earlier next time (but I'm not really a morning person, so if I had a morning flight I wouldn't go 3 hours ahead!) What are the opening hours of the spa? Same as the lounge?

No, the spa keeps more conventional hours – I think it opens 8.30am, or perhaps 9am? First class passengers are phoned the day prior to their trip to mke a booking, but once that's done it's "first come first served", so early check-in trumps a sleep-in!

I've got a pass which I am using next month before an economy flight to DFW. I have an early flight from CBR which should get me to Sydney 5 hours before the flight. Hopefully, I manage to score a spa treatment and hopefully I can find things to pass another 4 hours in the lounge... of course, Canberra's fog may ruin this plan.

You could walk around the terminal if you get bored of the lounge. It's not too bad after the refurbishment and it also offer a good range of shops compared to other Australian airports.

Thanks everyone for the advise. Im not too keen on facials, maybe my female friend will be. I can see men have access to a grooming kit which you can take with you on the flight, I'd be happy with just that. Much appreciated everyone.

Broderick, give the facial a try just once if you can... it really is very relaxing and great for your skin!